It was co-written by the band's singer-guitarist Mike Pinera and keyboardist Frank "Skip" Konte and was included on the group's 1970 album, Open.

Released as a slightly shortened single in the spring of 1970, it shot up the charts, eventually reaching No.

The longer version repeats the chorus several times before the instrumental coda leaves the song.

However, the local people are too preoccupied with life's troubles to hear or answer their call.

The song has been performed live many times by Phish with Page McConnell on lead vocals, notably during the "Ian's Farm" show on May 28, 1989.